A group of teenage boys from Melbourne’s south-east was released from police custody after being implicated in the theft of a car belonging to a gym-goer. The incident occurred last night around 11.30pm at a gym in Wantirna, where the group allegedly used a stolen access pass to enter the facility. Inside, they reportedly took the keys to a Mazda 3 parked by a gym patron.
Upon noticing the car theft, police were alerted and quickly responded to the gym’s car park, where they managed to apprehend one suspect. The other individuals escaped, reportedly abandoning a machete as they fled in the stolen vehicle. The police later tracked the Mazda to the Dandenong area around 1am, where it was spotted heading southbound on Eastlink.
During the chase, the stolen Mazda was seen in convoy with another vehicle, also believed to be stolen, as they sped through Seaford. Authorities deployed stop sticks on Cranbourne Road, but the Mazda continued its reckless drive, eventually being abandoned near Moate Street shortly thereafter. Officers conducted a search of the vicinity, leading to the arrest of two males, one of whom attempted to escape by climbing onto a roof.
Nearby residents reported hearing commotion during the police operation, expressing concerns about the safety of having such events unfold in their neighbourhood. Meanwhile, the second stolen vehicle, a blue Toyota Echo, was found dumped on Kerry Street in Langwarrin, where three suspects attempted to flee on foot but were swiftly apprehended by officers. It was discovered that the Toyota had also been stolen earlier in the week in Mont Albert.
The group involved consists of six teenagers aged between 15 and 18, predominantly from the Boroondara area. They have all been interviewed by authorities and released while awaiting a summons. The police investigation continues as they work to gather further details on the incidents.